Legislation Introduced to Help Prevent Misfueling at the Pump

Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL-21) and Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA-08), members of the Congressional Boating Caucus, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to more clearly define and label E15 ethanol blended gasoline at pumps. The legislation, known as the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act, would better protect consumers from misfuelling with E15.

The Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2019 would require more detailed labeling of fuel pumps that dispense E15 fuel, or fuel with a 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline blend. E15 fuel has been determined to not be suitable for small engines in outdoor equipment and non-road products as E15 can cause corrosion, reduced fuel storage, and less engine lubrication resulting in engines to run hotter. Examples of impacted equipment include items such as lawn mowers, weed eaters, generators, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) and boats, among others. E15 can also cause issues for vehicles, especially those manufactured before 2001.